Vote on Shelby County contract for inmate medical services delayed

The County Commission sent a resolution for an $18.29 million contract to provide medical services for jail inmates back to its committee on Monday.

The two-week delay, approved without objection, was requested by Commissioner Melvin Burgess, who said he wants to check with the provider — Correct Care Solutions — about accountability measures for one of the county's largest contracts.

A team of health service monitors review the company's performance, said Yvonne Madlock, Health Department director.

There are also clauses in the contract that include financial penalties if performance is not maintained or corrective actions are not taken, Madlock said.

Commissioner Sidney Chism asked Burgess why he needed to have a conversation with the provider since others with the county were monitoring them on a continual basis.

"I have to actually see what's going on on paper," Burgess said. "I don't take no word for it, for what people tell me."

CCS is the current medical services provider for the county's jail and corrections-center inmates, and its existing contract ends Sept. 30, Madlock said. The county administration to extend the contract if necessary, she said.

At its Monday meeting, the County Commission approved a resolution proposed by Commissioner Henri Brooks asking the Shelby County School Board to apply for the Head Start grant or to partner with another entity to oversee the program.

Locally, Head Start receives $23 million in federal dollars for early education of about 3,200 children.

Shelby County took over a troubled Head Start program 10 years.

County Mayor Mark Luttrell told commissioners last week that it was never intended to be a permanent arrangement and an outside entity, such as the school district, would be able to expand the program in ways the county cannot.

School officials discussed that prospect last week and did not oppose it.

Luttrell also said that if another viable entity, such as SCS, does not come forward to apply for the Head Start grant, the county will reapply.

The commission also approved on first reading an ordinance that would charge registration fees of $250 to used-tire vendors and haulers.

Commissioner Terry Roland, whose family owns and operates a tire store in Millington, observed that there are currently no used-tire businesses in unincorporated Shelby County, the only area where the ordinance would apply.

The ordinance is not supported by the county's administration, Harvey Kennedy, county CAO, told the commission.

It passed on first reading in a 7-2 vote with commissioners Brooks, Burgess, Chism, Justin Ford, James Harvey, Heidi Shafer and Chris Thomas voting yes while commissioners Mike Ritz and Roland voted no.